The Canadian Chamber of Commerce Walks the Talk on Diversity and Inclusion

Ottawa, May 14, 2018 — Organizations with diverse workforces perform better and they are supporting an economic vision that provides opportunity and prosperity for all. That is why the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is ramping up its commitment to diversity and inclusion, and encouraging its members and stakeholders to do the same.

“Our economy cannot afford to leave anyone behind,” said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Growth can best be achieved by ensuring that people from all economic sectors, all regions and all backgrounds can take part in, and benefit from, a healthy, innovative economy.”

“Inclusive Growth” was one of the three central themes of the 2018 B7 Business Summit, an international gathering of G7 business associations and executives hosted by the Canadian Chamber in April. Together, these international business leaders showcased how the growth of our economy has contributed to benefit society which is why it is necessary to create further opportunities which will allow more individuals to share in that prosperity.

The Canadian Chamber is moving from goal to action by developing and rolling out its Board and organization diversity and inclusion policies. Developed in collaboration with, and fully supported by the Chamber’s senior management team and Board of Directors, these policies will apply to all sectors of the Canadian Chamber, including procurement. They are intended to foster diversity as a way of thinking and operating by creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all team members are recognized and valued and that the organization has the opportunity to benefit from all available talent. This will contribute to building a stronger, more representative Canadian Chamber. Concretely, the Chamber will aim to have 40% representation from each gender on its Board and on its senior management team.

“We are encouraging all of our members, suppliers and stakeholders to do the same,” said Mr. Beatty. “It is an important step in working together to enable those who can, should and want to participate in economic growth.”

To help engage local chambers and associations in taking the initiative to adopt similar policies, the Canadian Chamber hosted a webinar on May 11, Inclusive Growth: Developing Diversity and Inclusivity Policies, to discuss the importance of providing equal and fair opportunities in the workplace. The webinar featured President and CEO Hon. Perrin Beatty, Board Chair Christiane Bergevin, as well as Board members Ginny Flood and Anne-Marie Hubert.

Click here to learn more about our diversity policies and the information and tools to help organizations develop theirs.

--

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. Follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

– 30–

Contact:

Guillaum W. Dubreuil Senior Director, Public Affairs and Media Relations The Canadian Chamber of Commerce 613.797.1860gdubreuil@chamber.ca

No image, graphic, text or reference to this website may be reproduced or used in any way without the express written consent and approval of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Any and all enquiries must be directed to Stacey Roy, Vice President, Operations & Program Implementation, at sroy@chamber.ca.